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Guidance

Assessing the English language requirement: caseworker guidance

Immigration staff guidance on assessing whether an applicant has met the English language requirement.

Updates to this page

From:
UK Visas and Immigration
Published:
5 October 2020
Last updated:
1 May 2025
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  1. Change to the list of routes Appendix English Language applies to, reflecting the change in name of one immigration route. Updates have also been made to the Ecctis verification and equivalency service which is now named the Qualification and Language Service (QLS) and how applicants demonstrate they meet this requirement. Reference to UK NARIC (which is now known as Ecctis) has been removed.

  2. Guidance updated with minor changes to the "met in previous application" and "academic degree from a non-majority English speaking country" sections, confirming that decision makers should check the Online Verification Portal (OVP) to confirm applicants have met the requirement.

  3. Updated guidance to reflect changes to SOC codes for the additional option for Skilled Worker applications.

  4. Replaced guidance.

  5. Updated guidance to reflect that Appendix English Language has been extended to the Appendix HM Armed Forces and Appendix Long Residence routes. Also updated to clarify that an applicant can meet the English Language requirement by holding an International GCSE in English or English Literature at level 4 or 5.

  6. Updated guidance.

  7. Updated the guidance in line with Immigration Rules changes.

  8. Guidance updated to reflect that Appendix English Language has been extended to the following routes: High Potential Individual, Settlement family life after a qualifying period of 10 years, Private life (Settlement only), Scale-up (from 22 August 2022).

  9. Updated guidance to reflect that UK NARIC has become UK ENIC.

  10. Updated with a new version of the guidance.

  11. Updated guidance to reflect changes in Immigration Rules coming into force on 1 Dec.

  12. First published.

Documents

Assessing the English Language requirement (accessible version)

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Assessing the English Language requirement

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Details

UK Visas and Immigration guidance on how staff consider applications for entry clearance, permission to stay and settlement and explains how to assess whether an applicant has met the English Language requirements under Appendix English Language.

It applies to the following routes:

  • Student
  • Skilled Worker
  • Representative of an Overseas Business
  • T2 Minister of Religion
  • International Sportsperson
  • UK Ancestry (settlement only)
  • Start-up
  • Innovator Founder
  • Global Talent (settlement only)
  • Temporary Work - International Agreement (settlement only)
  • Domestic Worker in a Private Household (settlement only)
  • Appendix Hong Kong British National (Overseas) (settlement only)

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